Our Mātauranga Motuhake/Alternative Education programme aims at reintegrating youth at-risk of being excluded from school, back into mainstream education, further education programmes or employment. We use a taiao based approach grounded in tīkanga Māori, focusing on developing ākonga self-regulation, communication skills and overall ability to participate meaningfully in educational settings. Our Mātauranga Motuhake programme only receives referrals through local kura. If you are interested in this, please direct your questions to the Principal/Tumuaki of your child’s current school.

Kaiārahi Mātauranga Whānau (Attendance Advisor)

The Kaiārahi Mātauranga Whānau role is to provide an attendance support service, focused on community and whānau-based solutions to improve attendance and decrease unenrolment across schools in Ōtaki. We receive referrals from local kura and collaborate with key stakeholders and agencies to enhance attendance levels in the region. We embrace a kaupapa Māori approach, enabling culturally responsive decision making for the benefit of students, their whānau and the kura. Our Kaiārahi Mātauranga Whānau only receives referrals through kura.

The Ōtaki Touch Project aims to encourage play and enhance physical activity among tamariki in Ōtaki by promoting touch rugby, aligning with kaupapa Māori values. The project focuses on teaching touch skills to children, enhancing motor skill development and improving general fitness and wellbeing. We currently work with 5 local kura, and hope to expand the project to include all kura in Ōtaki by the end of the year.

The Ōtaki League Project aims to inspire rangatahi aged 13-18 to get active, develop their league skills, and build leadership abilities through sport. There are 2 sessions each week – Tues and Thurs 4pm – 5.30pm. The project caters to all skill levels, providing a supportive environment for skill development, teamwork, and fitness. Aligned with kaupapa Māori values, this initiative focuses on building confidence, resilience, and a sense of community among rangatahi. The program is led by Dane Cooper, who is passionate about the game and brings a wealth of experience as a player at both local and representative levels, as well as a coach of Ōtaki’s premier league club, Whiti Te Rā.

Please contact Katene to register – [email protected]

Housing Navigation

Our Housing Navigator provides support to individuals at risk of housing instability, including those facing eviction and potential homelessness. We collaborate closely with MSD to offer wraparound support for whānau utilising their services. While we receive referrals from MSD, we can also guide whānau through the referral process. Please reach out to Katene for further assistance.

Kaumātua

Our Kaumātua Check-In Project is a pilot initiative where a kaimahi checks in with local kaumatua referred by whānau or health services. The goal is to ensure kaumatua have everything they need at home, connect them to appropriate services, provide a physical activity plan for ongoing movement, offer companionship for those unable to leave the house, and assist with organising health appointments and managing health documents. This service is currently available one day per week with the overall outcome aimed at keeping kaumātua well at home.